White has already received a taste of what is in store for him. Upon completing his collegiate career at Boston College in May, the 20-year-old played in two regular season NHL games and made one playoff appearance with the Senators, better preparing himself for what lies ahead.

“It was a great experience," White told Sporting News Canada. "The guys took me in, showed me how to be a pro. Traveling with the team. It was huge, just seeing where the guys' games were at. Seeing what they do on and off the ice prepared me this summer."

While it was a short summer due to the Sens' extended playoff run, the Hanover, Mass resident said he worked on, “getting stronger, battles in the corner, things like that." The 21st overall selection in the 2015 draft added, “I did really well in (fitness) testing. I was pretty happy with it. Now it’s all on-ice stuff. I’ve taken care of my body.”

With an injury to Derick Brassard, and Clarke MacArthur opening on LTIR, the six-foot-one, 190 pounder has a legitimate opportunity to make the Senators roster out of training camp. And the good news is that White has already gained the trust of Boucher.

“What a coach looks at, when they look at young guys, are they reliable enough for us to put them on the ice without closing our eyes? And he has that, we know that. And that’s why last year, we were able to put him on the ice,” Boucher explained.

“I think it’s easier for him now not being in a pressure situation in the playoffs, the end of the season when crunch time hangs in the balance. Sometimes it’s not fair to put all that pressure on kids who haven’t lived that yet. So he starts the year now, in training camp where he knows he has a legitimate chance. Like other guys, I think in his case, he’s reliable enough that he’s not going to hurt you. That’s a big part of his game I like. Now the rest, how much he can give us, is he ready? Is the right thing to do as an organization? I think we’ll see that in the long run, not in a short run.”

“He’s a really good player," offered Burrows. "He’s smart. He’s has a lot of upside. We’re going to keep working on our game, get some chemistry going. Hopefully it pays off for the start of the year."

The 13-year veteran has become a mentor for White.

“Burrows has been awesome to me. Even last year he helped me out on the ice, talking to me. Coming into camp, he has been a role model for me. He’s taught me a lot of things. Being able to play with him out there is amazing for me,” explained White.

The rookie center can not wait to lace up the skates Monday against his good friend on the Leafs, Auston Matthews. The pair won a bronze medal with the United States at the 2016 World Juniors. A year later, with Matthews on his way to winning the NHL's Calder Trophy, White led Team USA to WJC gold with a team-high seven goals.

“Matthews sent me a Snapchat asking me, “Are you’re playing?” I said I didn’t know yet. (For the record, White is playing) I hope. It’s exciting, finally playing against a different team, a real game, it’ll be a lot of fun.”

For a rookie, White exudes confidence. He knows what he has to do to earn a roster spot.

“Just play my game, don’t try to do anything special. Be in the right position, play the system, the little things. Stick to my game, have fun.”